All Men to Be Saved

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

God’s heart desires that everyone be saved. Salvation is not limited by a person’s nationality, culture, or background. God’s will is for each individual, regardless of color or race, to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

What is the truth we want them to understand? It's exactly what Paul wrote to Timothy: there is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. He alone is the mediator between God and humanity, having given Himself as a ransom for all mankind. No other world religion, philosophy, or belief can bridge the gap between God and man—only Jesus can do so.

In light of this revelation, we must remember the impact our prayers have on others as they choose to accept God’s gift. When we intercede for our loved ones, leaders, and nation, we partner with God's heart for redemption. Our prayers will contribute to God's movement worldwide.

Did you know that China is home to the fastest-growing church in the world? There, preaching the full Gospel is illegal. Why is this occurring? Christians worldwide have been praying and interceding for them.

Currently, Hindus are the largest group of people in the world who do not know Jesus as Lord. With over 400 million Hindus still needing to hear and understand the Gospel, we should see this as a call to pray. What should we pray for exactly? That their eyes of understanding may be opened, allowing them to recognize the love of God and to follow Him.

Practical Application

Today, pray for the areas where the Gospel is suppressed or persecuted, such as China and India. Intercede for the leaders in those regions. Pray that they encounter the Lord, remain open to the truth of the Gospel, and seek God’s favor on the underground church.

Ezekiel 18:23; Titus 2:11

Paul’s Call to Prayer

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul was writing to Timothy, a pastor of a New Testament church, about the importance of prayer. Paul didn’t request prayer as a favor or as a “maybe you do, or maybe you don’t” suggestion. He used the emphatic word exhort to express his desire for the church to engage in prayer. That word serves as a call to action, an urgent plea from Paul to Christians everywhere. Paul was essentially banging on the table, saying, “Pay attention! This is critically important!” What was so critically important to Paul? That believers, “first of all,” meaning before any opinions, debates, or complaining sessions, should pray.

Paul outlined four specific ways that believers are called to pray:

• Supplications are specific, targeted requests. Our supplications involve bringing God what we know and are believing for and submitting them to His plan.

• Prayers - this refers to general communication with God. It is how we talk to Him about our thoughts, lives, and desires for His insights and direction.

• Intercessions refer to standing in the gap for others, including those who are lost, those you may not like, or those with whom you disagree.

• Giving of thanks - thanking God for hearing and answering our prayers in the past, and thanking Him for the future plan we embrace by faith.

However, we are called to pray not only for our families and communities but, as Paul stated, “for all men,” including “kings and for all that are in authority,”  regardless of whether we like or agree with them. Why? Because their decisions affect us. If we believe that God can change hearts, we should actively pray for our leaders, knowing that those prayers can open doors for God to intervene in their lives.

Practical Application

Today, pray for your government officials, including those you don’t like. Pray for wisdom, godly guidance, and righteousness to prevail.

Ezra 6:10; Nehemiah 1:11

Lifting Holy Hands

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8)

Paul was a no-nonsense leader. When he received an instruction from God, he made sure it was carried out. That’s why Paul used such emphatic language when discussing the way people should approach prayer. His phrase “I will” in this context didn’t imply “If you feel like it” or “if it’s convenient.” He declared, “This is God’s will, which means it should also be our will.” Prayer is not confined to a church building or a corner of someone’s house. Prayer is intended to happen everywhere—whether at home, in the car, at work, or even in the grocery store. We are called to live a life of constant prayer.

However, Paul explained the posture he wanted believers to adopt during prayer. He said he wanted believers to pray by lifting up holy hands. Some may observe Christians raising their hands and question why, but the Bible provides clear reasons for this practice.

• When we raise our hands, we acknowledge God’s authority. It’s a gesture of acceptance of God’s will and ways as superior to our own.

• Lifting our hands is an act of surrender. Just like when a police officer says, “Put your hands up,” we understand that raising our hands is a universal sign of surrender. As we pray and lift our hands, we are expressing, “Lord, I surrender everything in my life to your will.”

  
  

At the end of this verse, Paul provided an essential instruction on the attitude we must take in prayer: We must do this “without wrath and doubting.” Anger and arguments can hinder prayer. If we approach God with bitterness, skepticism, and frustration, we don’t have the right heart to expect Him to move. We must come to God full of faith and expectation, allowing Him to wipe away any of the pain of the past.

Practical Application

Don’t hesitate to physically express your reverence to God in prayer by raising your hands or bowing your head. Before praying for someone or something, ask God to remove any anger and doubt, and expect that things will change when you pray.

Psalm 63:4; James 4:8